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Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

About

Become a leader in the pursuit of justice.

The field of criminal justice is dramatically different than it was just a few years ago. Change is ever-present and the challenges that result are more complex and far-reaching. The shifting nature of crime and pervasiveness of technology – coupled with increasingly interconnected world events – have created a growing demand for criminal justice professionals who have insights into the sociological, legal, theoretical and practical aspects of law enforcement.

Are you prepared to take the lead?

The Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice program at Bridgewater State University can provide you with the solid leadership and management skills required to excel in today’s criminal justice arena. This advanced degree program can instill or expand the professional competencies necessary to play a vital role in criminal justice research, administration and practice.

Program Highlights

Taught by leading criminal justice faculty who have extensive experience as attorneys, law enforcement officers, corrections experts and investigators, the MS in Criminal Justice program prepares you for continued study or the pursuit of a variety of careers, including leadership roles within the judicial system, law enforcement agencies, legal firms, correctional facilities and the field of criminal justice education.

The MS in Criminal Justice program offers you:

Diverse faculty with extensive experience in a variety of criminal justice settings

Development of critical thinking skills, as well as oral and written communication capabilities

Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience

Professional leadership skills and development

Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state

The Curriculum

This 33-credit graduate program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully compete in a variety of professional positions in the criminal justice system and closely related fields. Choose from two concentration options:

Through a combination of required and elective courses, you will be exposed to all facets of the criminal justice field – criminology, social control, corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice and the legal system. In addition, you will learn about policies, professional writing, research methods, criminal behavior analysis and principle application. The program includes in-depth coverage of the role of information technology in the criminal justice system, and examines major data sources and approaches to research and data analysis in criminal justice. In addition to providing a solid foundation in contemporary criminal justice, the program emphasizes the dynamics of diversity in the criminal justice system, and the relationships between the criminal justice system and society.

Core courses of this program include:

Foundations of Scholarship

Crime, Justice and Society

Criminology

Seminar Research Methods

Analyzing Crime Data

Ethics in Crime Policy

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to provide both new and practicing criminal justice professionals with the values, knowledge and skills necessary to become creative, effective agents of change within the criminal justice system.

What can you do with a graduate degree in criminal justice from Bridgewater State University?

Criminal justice careers can encompass a variety of employment options for individuals with backgrounds in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, political science, psychology, social work and other liberal arts and human services disciplines. Employment possibilities within the traditional police, courts and corrections areas are being expanded with opportunities in the private business sector, as well.

YOUR FUTURE. Now.

You’ve thought about it. You believe you can do it. And you’ve explored your options. Now you’re ready to advance your career – through the College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University. Take the first step. Apply now. And get ready to transform your life!

Bridgewater State University College of Graduate Studies

Since 1937, the College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University has offered an array of graduate degree, licensure and certificate programs to meet the needs of Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Led by scholars, researchers, teachers and practitioners from the graduate faculty, our offerings include a variety of nationally accredited master's degree programs in professional studies, education, arts and sciences and business. The College of Graduate Studies ensures high-quality, research-based, stimulating and intellectually challenging educational experiences to those who seek expertise and leadership in their professions and a commitment to lifelong learning and scholarship.

Bridgewater State University remains steadfast in its dual mission to educate citizens to be the best they can be and to use its intellectual, scientific and technological resources to advance the economic and cultural life of the region and beyond.